MN| Minnesota Department of Commerce Administrative Bulletin 2026-3, dated August 31, 2026, outlines new Medicare Supplement (Medigap) guaranteed-issue enrollment requirements under Minn. Stat. § 62A.31, effective August 1, 2026. The bulletin establishes recurring enrollment opportunities for eligible first-time Medigap applicants ages 65–70, explains applicable lifetime premium surcharges, and clarifies that the new protections generally do not extend to existing policyholders switching Medigap coverage.
- Eligibility and underwriting: Guaranteed issue applies to individuals ages 65–70 who apply for Medigap coverage for the first time during a qualifying enrollment period. Carriers should include an application question asking whether applicants have another Medigap policy or certificate in force. Individuals age 71 or older and existing policyholders changing coverage do not qualify under this new provision; medical underwriting generally applies unless another protection is available.
- Enrollment periods and coverage dates: Applications received October 15–December 7 provide coverage effective January 1 of the following year. Applications received January 1–March 31 provide coverage effective the first day of the following month. Eligible institutionalized individuals may enroll throughout the year, with eligibility continuing through the last day of the second month after leaving a qualifying care facility.
- Premium surcharges: Eligible individuals enrolling outside their initial Medicare Part B enrollment period are subject to a surcharge determined by enrollment year: 15% in 2026, 20% in 2027, 25% in 2028, 30% in 2029, and 35% in 2030 and thereafter. The applicable percentage remains in effect for the policy’s duration, applies uniformly across plan variants and optional riders, and is additional to standard premium adjustments, including tobacco-use and geographic-area adjustments.